Total destruction of Kennedy Meadows lodge and outbuildings reported
According to Cal Fire officials an early morning fire destroyed the Kennedy Meadows lodge and Seven cabins on Monday.
The fire was first reported just after 2 a.m.
The lodge was built in 1941 after its predecessor burned to the ground. Kennedy Meadows has been a popular recreation spot since the World War I era, when the first pack station, store and gas station were built there.Location: The Kennedy Meadows Lodge is located about 40 miles east of Sonora, along Highway 108 near Strawberry.
Resources: Two battalion chiefs, seven engines and three water tenders
Updates:
Photo of devestation at the resort - Union Democrat
One Resort Dog was killed -
(3) CAL FIRE Investigator Rommie Jones reports the Kennedy Meadows fire of early this morning was ignited by a flue fire in the attic of the main lodge.
(2) Kennedy Meadows, CA -- Fire has completely destroyed the majority of the facilities at Kennedy Meadows.
County Fire Inspector Craig Hart reports the total destruction includes the main lodge, seven cabins, the residence cabin, one laundry house, one generator shed with three eight kilowatt generators, one public restroom, one shower house, a water heater house, a tool shed, a storage shed, one car and one truck. Two travel trailers were damaged.
Undamaged structures include the Manager's house, several employee housing units and the bar.
The initial report has the ignition point of the fire in the kitchen or fireplace of the main lodge.
One individual suffered a minor burn.
(1) - Fire officials say flames have destroyed the Kennedy Meadows Lodge and at least 7 other cabins in in Tuolumne County.
Two other cabins were also damaged. One person has minor burns.
There are 8 engines still mopping up.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but fire investigators are on the way.
Really sorry to hear that. Packed out of there for several years with my son in law. Sometimes on foot, sometimes with pack animals. We usually went to Three Rivers, a long walk, but not bad on a horse. Look forward to the lodge being rebuilt.
ReplyDeleteMy first backpack trip started here and many more since then. Beautiful spot. Hope the new lodge will reflect this beauty.
ReplyDelete